Support Land Back Movement in Massachusetts
TO: Individuals and Faith-based Communities interested in supporting land back in Massachusetts
FROM: The UU Society of Amherst (UUSA) Indigenous Awareness Circle
SUBJECT: Please join us in supporting this land back project
You are invited to join us in supporting the land back efforts of the Belchertown-Nipmuc Farm Conservation Alliance towards the rematriation of Lampson Brook Farm, 430 acres of state-owned farm fields and forested land, to the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band of Grafton, MA.
There are two ways to support this effort.
- The Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band invites you to add your name to the many individuals who have signed the petition to “return Lampson Brook to the Nipmuc People” .
and/or…
- You may join the many other local farm and faith-based organizations (listed below) who have agreed to sponsor this effort. As an example, the UUSA Indigenous Awareness Circle has published a statement of support.
The Belchertown-Nipmuc Farm Conservation Alliance is a group of Belchertown residents and allies working with the state-recognized Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band (Native Nipmuc peoples of our area) who intend to help conserve the Lampson Brook Farm and the legacy of sustainable farming in the region.
The Lampson Brook Farm represents a 430-acre historic site comprising a 240-acre forest parcel, 120-acre commercial agricultural parcel, 44-acre community farm parcel; a 10-acre enterprise zone parcel; and the 16-acre historic Jepson farmstead parcel and grounds. The New England Small Farms Institute (NESFI) makes part of the land available for new farmers and also supports community gardens. The local Belchertown-Nipmuc Farm Conservation Alliance has asked for the Lampson Brook Farm to be transferred to the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band for stewarding in the future. Their proposal includes NESFI continuing to lease the land they are currently farming.
More information may be found at:
Belchertown-Nipmuc Farm Conservation Alliance
Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors
Lampson Brook Farm Management Plan
New England Small Farms Institute
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Why we support this effort
The Lampson Brook Farm Management Plan (linked above), developed by Conservation Works LLC at the behest of the Lampson Brook Farm Board of Directors, outlines a process for transfer of the land from the Massachusetts Division of Capital Management and Maintenance to new owners. According to the recommendation, “The Board will look for ways in which the new parcel owners can strengthen the farm’s diversity and revitalize its infrastructure. The Board is also interested in examining ways to include farmers of color and low-income farmers in decision-making, and work with Indigenous peoples in guiding the future of the farm.” It is unclear at this time how the land will be transferred.
Based on this recommendation and conversations with many of the major stakeholders, the UUSA Indigenous Awareness Circle believes the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band and their non-profit corporation, is best positioned to lead the development and management of this public property in a manner consistent with Unitarian Universalist core values.
Learn more about the UUSA Indigenous Awareness Circle.
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The following is a growing list of agricultural and other organizations that support the effort to rematriate Lampson Brook Farm to the Nipmuc Peoples.
- Grow Food Northampton, Northampton, MA
- Kestrel Land Trust, Amherst, MA
- Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), South Deerfield, MA
- Mount Grace Conservation Land Trust, Athol, MA
- Equity Trust, Amherst, MA
- Simple Gifts Farm, Amherst, MA
- Phoenix Fruit Farm, Belchertown, MA
- Nutwood Farm, Cummington, MA
- Abundance Farm, Northampton, MA
- Tikkun Olam Committee of Congregation B’nai Israel, Northampton, MA
- Karuna Center for Peacebuilding, Amherst, MA
- Western MA Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)
- Western MA Land Justice Affinity Group
- Many Hands Catering (formerly Belly of the Beast restaurant), Northampton, MA
- Handle Factory Community Clay Center, Shelburne Falls, MA
- Valley Community Development, Northampton, MA
- Race and Class Working Group of Mt Toby Friends Meeting, Leverett, MA
- Racial Justice Committee of the Northampton Friends Meeting, Northampton, MA
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Listen to this touching song by a local singer/song writer about rematriation in Belchertown….
https://adamsweet.bandcamp.com/track/nipmuc-rematriated
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Photo by Caleb Wright on Unsplash
